Blue Sailors

Cichorium intybus (sik-KOR-ee-um IN-tye-bus)

Family: Asteraceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Chicory, a biennial member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, was introduced from Europe and has become naturalized over much of the nation. It is common to see its pretty blue flowers along roadsides and other disturbed sites. While it can be weedy, it does not frequently invade natural habitats. The deep, fleshy taproot exudes a milky sap when cut. The plant grows typically 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 foot wide. This easy to grow plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil though its withstands a wide variety of soil types. It does best cool weather and one established can be quite drought tolerant though it does not do well in heat and humidity so it can suffer in southern summers. It is weedy in fields, pastures, and along roadsides and considered invasive in some states. Edible, though bitter, rough hairy leaves resemble dandelion leaves appear in a rosette its first year. In its second season upright wiry stems appear dotted with attractive blue flowers that usually close by mid-day. The roots are also edible and are often dried, ground and used as a coffee substitute. Both wild and cultivated varieties exist, the latter including eadicchio and Belgian wndive which are very different from this parents plant. Cichorium endivia is the salad green known as curly endive. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Slugs, snails, and cutworms are occasional pests.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.